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Day of the Dead Draws Massive Crowds Across Mexico and the U.S.

Cultural leaders urge respect for tradition during broader public observances.

Overview

  • Mexico City’s parade drew about 1.5 million people on Saturday, according to city officials.
  • Mexico’s tourism ministry projects more than 1.6 million visitors for the Nov. 1–2 period, an estimated 2% increase from last year.
  • Communities across the United States staged altars, parades, and cemetery gatherings with strong turnout, with organizers in places like Minnesota and Chicago emphasizing resilience despite immigration-enforcement fears.
  • Core practices centered on ofrendas adorned with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, favorite foods, and the four elements, with Nov. 1 honoring children and Nov. 2 honoring adults.
  • Cultural advocates praised wider awareness but warned about commercialization and appropriation, noting big-box ofrenda kits and the influence of the 2017 film Coco on mainstream interest.